BLOTS

Source: Encyclopedia For Handwriting Analysts, volume Two

Copyright © 1986-2008 Erika M. Karohs, Pebble Beach, CA. All Rights Reserved.

Blots due to excessive ink

This kind of blot used to be common with old type pens that were dipped in the
inkwell. If the pen was dipped in too far, more ink than was required for writing
remained on the pen. As soon as the pen was put down the excess ink flowed
onto the paper and made a blot.
A blot due to excessive ink always has the form of a little circle or ellipse and
shows no trace of furrowing on the edges.

Blots due to pathology

The thyroid secretes a complex hormone called thyroxin. This secretion
partially influenced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, aids in the
control of metabolism and normal functioning of the body.
When the gland is overactive, the person is nervous, restless, and more
emotionally tense than normal.
According to Schönfeld-Menzel1, inky blots on the writing line may point to
glandular disturbances, i.e., a hyperthyroid condition. They remind that these
are highly distinctive blotting “knots” in which the writing instrument
temporarily seems to get stuck.

Gross2 states that blotting is frequent in tumor cases, usually in conjunction

with a coarse tremor and difficulties in size control. Additional indicators may
be senseless doubling of strokes and marked disturbances in spatial orientation.
Blots must be distinguished from four similar phenomena, namely, (1) spurts of
ink, (2) resting points, (3) smears and (4) “eruptive ink splotches” which are the
result of excessive pressure.

1
W. Schönfeld und K. Menzel, Tuberkulose, Charakter und Handschrift, Verlag Rudolf M.
Rohrer, Leipzig, 1934.
2
Carl Gross, Vitalität und Handschrift, Ludwig Roehrscheid Verlag, Bonn, 1950.

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